The relocation is part of the publicly-owned television channel’s efforts to break out of London and spend more of its money on supporting the country’s regional media sectors. Up to 300 of its 800 staff will be relocated to either its new regional headquarters in Leeds or the “creative hubs” in Bristol and Glasgow.

The Labour mayor said: “Bristol is a city that pushes boundaries, questions the norm and actively nurtures a strong culture of creative and digital innovation – we know Channel 4 will feel at home here.

"Channel 4 will feel at home here," said Bristol mayor Marvin Rees

“This move will help to build on our existing thriving media industry and wealth of local talent. We look forward to welcoming Channel 4 to the city.”

Grant Mansfield, founder and chief executive of Plimsoll Productions, said Channel 4’s decision could be the “catalyst” for Bristol’s television and media sector to grow into a major force.

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Mr Mansfield’s firm is now the largest independent production company outside of London but, after starting at the BBC in Bristol, he moved to London and then Los Angeles to take his next career steps. He said Channel 4’s presence in the city could mean those following a similar path will not be forced to leave Bristol to progress.

“There are a lot of media-based courses at the local universities and the classic thing that plays out is people finish their training and promptly head off to London and that has been because traditionally the sector isn’t big enough,” said the Clifton resident.

Grant Mansfield, founder and chief executive of Plimsoll Productions

“That is happening less and less but I think this will be a huge catalyst for growth in the industry and, once that happens, it will give the opportunity to young people in the industry to have a full career in Bristol. They might want to go elsewhere anyway but, if they want that option of staying here, that will be much easier to do.”

He added: “I think this will be genuinely transformational. I think this has the potential to bring more established companies to the city and many more people will think about setting up their production companies in Bristol rather than London.

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"I think Bristol will become an even more influential and important media city than it already is. It is great news for the sector and the city.”

Fiona Francombe, site director at Bottle Yard Studios, said the channel’s relocation to Bristol – which she called “absolutely fantastic” – would open the media industry up to communities and individuals who might have felt locked out in the past.

The Bottle Yard Studios is the largest TV and film studio facility in the South West

Channel 4 bosses said one of the reasons they were swayed to pick Bristol for one of its regional offices was because of its ideas for diversifying the media sector.

“We want to include communities that perhaps aren’t seeing the benefit of the media sector in the city,” said Ms Francombe, whose studio has seen the likes of Poldark, The Crystal Maze and Deal Or No Deal filmed there.

“We are doing our bit at the moment at Bottle Yard by running a media diploma course where 19 out of the 20 students are from south Bristol and are being trained close to home. But this will amplify that across the city and give other opportunities and offer routes into the sector. Having a national broadcaster behind you gives you more traction.”

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The boss of the Hengrove studio said the bid team had been given reassurances from Channel 4 that its new Bristol-based commissioners – the channel does not make shows itself but instead commissions independent productions companies – will have devolved power and be able to spend money in the region.

“We didn’t want it that they would have to go to London to have every decision signed-off,” she said. “They ensured that these people would be the decision makers and that is very reassuring.”

The city’s MPs were quick to join in praising Channel 4’s decision and the impact it could have on the economy, job opportunities and for the region as a whole.

Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East, said she expected the broadcaster’s arrival to “give a real boost to the city’s creative sector”.

Bristol West MP Thangam Debbonaire said the decision was “recognition” of Bristol’s cultural scene.

“From electronic music to animation, from nature documentaries to street art, Bristol is often synonymous with the most exciting developments in creative industries,” said the Labour whip.

“Channel 4 will undoubtedly bring even more creative energy to our city. I hope this can benefit everyone, especially young people from backgrounds currently under-represented in today’s media industry.”

Darren Jones, Labour MP for Bristol North West, said bringing Channel 4 commissioners and employees to Bristol would strengthen the sector across the south west and south Wales.

“Locating in Bristol will enable Channel 4 to work closely in partnership with Cardiff and its production sector, with the opportunity to further accelerate the growth of the creative cluster around south west England and south Wales – and connect with indies across the west of England,” he said.

Channel 4 will move 300 of its 800 staff out of London and into three regional offices around the UK, including in Bristol

Tim Bowles, Conservative metro-mayor for the West of England, called the decision “fantastic recognition” for the region’s “wealth of local talent and thriving creative industry”. He added that Bristol was the “perfect location for the future”.

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His opposite number in the Labour Party, Tom Watson MP, added his congratulations to Bristol, saying: “It’s critically important that the UK’s media landscape is diverse and reflects the whole of the UK not just part of it.

“Channel 4’s announcement today, and commitment to using more of its commissioning budget in the nations and regions, will go a long way to achieving that.”

Richard Bonner, president of Business West, said: “What super news and well done to Marvin Rees and all the team who demonstrated what a compelling offer our great city will be.”